Athena says wrestling in Stardom has been a dream come true.
Today, the “Forever” ROH Women’s World Champion wrestled the final match of her tour with the company, successfully defending her title against Thekla at Korakuen Hall. She said backstage after the show that performing for Stardom has “reawakened” her passion.
Athena debuted for Stardom at New Year’s Dream on January 3, 2025. She teamed with Thekla on the show, but the two began showing signs of dissension before the night was over, and a title match between them was later booked for today’s event at Korakuen Hall.
Athena said backstage after the show:
I am very sad to go because I love Japan and I love Stardom. It’s very difficult for me to leave because I have had so much fun here and it has reawakened my passion not only as a fighting champion, but as a wrestler who’s been doing this for almost 20 years.
She continued:
“This is my dream. And I finally got to come here. Hopefully, I can come back and compete in front of the most amazing fans with the most amazing women from around the world. So Stardom, you will see me again, the Fallen Goddess, the American Joshi, the Minion Overlord, the inspiration to every women’s division, but most importantly, today, I finally lived up to my nickname of the American Joshi. Thank you, Stardom. Thank you, everyone. I will see you again soon.”
【1・13 後楽園大会試合後コメント】
— スターダム✪STARDOM (@wwr_stardom) January 13, 2025
アティーナ「日本を離れるのはとても辛い。とても楽しかったから。チャンピオンとしての情熱だけでなく、レスラーとしての情熱も再認識させてくれた」#STARDOM pic.twitter.com/8gst4Pc5p5
Athena won four out of five matches on her tour with Stardom. She and Thekla defeated Tay Melo and Mina Shirakawa at New Year’s Dream on January 3, and the following day, Athena wrestled at Wrestle Dynasty, losing a four-way bout that was won by Momo Watanabe. On January 11 and 12, Athena teamed with members of Stardom’s Stars faction and defeated members of HATE in multi-person tag matches. Athena’s last match before her tour with Stardom was at ROH Final Battle when she defeated Billie Starkz in the main event.
#ANDSTILL
— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) January 13, 2025
ROH “Forever Champion” Athena stands tall after a tough, tough fight with Thekla
After the match Athena said she respects Queen B**ch Thekla and to come find her in the U.S. for a rematch!#STARDOM | @ringofhonor
pic.twitter.com/vjlg3Mem88